Most of us use our vapes every day, but you may still have questions about how to use your batteries safely. We’ve put together a guide that will help you make sure they are always working at their best, safe to use, and last as long as possible!
What are lithium-ion batteries?
Chances are you use a lithium-ion battery every day, not just in your e-cigarette but in your phone, tablet, laptop and many other electronic gadgets.
Lithium-ion batteries, often abbreviated to li-ion batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery that utilises intercalated lithium for the electrodes. They work by moving the lithium ions from the negative electrode to the positive when in use, and then back again during charging.
They are one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries for their light weight and small size, ideal for devices like phones and vapes which are designed to be hand-held. Despite their small size, they maintain a high energy density and degrade slowly, offering a longer battery lifetime than other rechargeable options.
One of the biggest reason's lithium-ion batteries are the preferred battery for most electronics is that they can be recharged hundreds of times before needing to be replaced, making them ideal for everyday products that are in almost constant use.
Built-in batteries
Most starter kit and pod system e-cigarettes have a built-in battery that can be recharged easily using a charger cable. When choosing a new device, it’s important to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable retailer and trusted brand, so you know you are getting a quality product. Here at Evapo we stock built-in battery devices from all the biggest vaping brands, sourced from trusted suppliers.
When buying a new device, it is a good idea to consider what safety features it has, such as short-circuit and low voltage protection. These built-in features help protect the battery and keep it working at its best.
Where possible, always use the charger cable that came with your device. The USB cable can be plugged in to a laptop computer, games console or a mains adaptor plug. It is always best to use a power source that has an output of 1 amp or less, as a higher output can damage the battery or cause it to overheat. Watch out for phone plugs, as these are often too powerful for use with e-cigarettes.
When charging your device, try to keep it in sight so you can check on it if needed and unplug it when the charge is complete. Never charge your e-cig or leave it unattended on a flammable surface like a pillow or blanket, in direct sunlight like on the windowsill, or somewhere it can get wet.
Lithium-ion batteries can be damaged by extreme temperatures and water.
Many of us take our vape with us everywhere, but if you’re anything like me, it spends plenty of time rattling around at the bottom of your bag. Most button-activated devices can be locked or switched off when not in use, usually by pressing the fire button 3 – 5 times in quick succession. This means that even if the button is accidentally pressed in your pocket or bag it won’t fire and burn out your coil or overheat.
External batteries
Many advanced devices do not come with built-in batteries, but instead take external batteries that can be removed and recharged when needed. This is great for high-powered mods, as it means that you can carry a spare set of batteries if you need to change them throughout the day. However, it's important to store and charge the batteries properly to keep them safe and working at their best.
As with all vaping products, it's important to always buy quality batteries from a reputable source like Evapo, as well as a good quality battery bay charger. While external batteries can be charged within the device using the USB cable, it is recommended to charge them in a battery bay charger outside of the device. These chargers have lots of built-in safety features that help protect you and improve the longevity and health of your batteries.
If your device takes more than one battery, try to always keep these sets ‘married’ and use them together without mix and matching between other sets. This will help avoid imbalanced batteries being used together, and ensure the batteries are degrading equally over the same course of time.
Like other batteries, external batteries can be damaged by extreme temperatures and water, so it’s important to store them in a safe place when not in use, as well as when they are in your device. If you like to carry spare batteries make sure to never carry them loose or with metallic objects like loose change and keys. You can pick up handy battery cases or silicone sleeves that are ideal for storing your batteries safely.
Batteries have a wrap on the outside to protect them and prevent them from coming into contact with anything that could cause a short circuit. If you notice that this wrap is becoming damaged immediately stop using it as it is extremely dangerous to use damaged batteries. You can pick up new batteries wraps, but if you do not feel comfortable rewrapping the battery it is best to dispose of it safely and replace it with a new one. Many local shops and supermarkets have battery disposal bins where you can drop your old or damaged batteries to be disposed of safely or recycled.
If you want more information about vaping battery safety or any other advice, pop in to your local Evapo store or check out our FAQ section for lots more vaping information.
